Stop for assistance and direction at one of the 26 Red Cross aid stations along the course. Sweep buses pick up runners at every Red Cross station with drop-off at the finish area medical tent. Aid stations along the course close at staggered times during the day. Finish area facilities officially close six hours after the last runner crosses the start line in Hopkinton. (About 6:00 p.m.)

The average temperature at the start of the Boston Marathon ranges from 45-50 degrees F. The spread of temperature throughout the race can average approximately 25 degrees F, meaning the finish line temperature can average from 70-75 degrees F. However, in years past, there have been examples of extreme weather at the Boston Marathon. See below for examples:

No, please do NOT run if you have not been officially entered in the race. Race amenities along the course and at the finish, such as fluids, medical care, and traffic safety, are provided based on the number of expected official entrants. Any addition to this by way of unofficial participants, adversely affects our ability to ensure a safe race for everyone.

The B.AA. suggests that you make arrangements to meet your runner in the Family Meeting Area. Large signs with all letters of the alphabet will be posted beginning on Stuart Street, along Clarendon Street and finishing along St. James Avenue. Access to the finish line area is strictly for race personnel only. Due to the amount of runners, officials, medical personnel, and volunteers working in the finish area, the B.A.A. cannot accommodate specific requests such as marriage proposals or special meet ups in the finish area.

A complimentary ticket is included with your bib number packet. A limited number of additional tickets for both the pre-race dinner and post-race party may be purchased at the “Party Tickets” Booth when you pick up your number. Tickets will NOT be available for sale on site at either event.

Born in West Medford, Massachusetts as one of ten children, Kelley ran track and cross-country at Arlington High School in Massachusetts. He did not finish his first Boston Marathon in 1928, but eventually competed in a record 61 Boston Marathons. A legend of the marathon, Kelley won the 1935 and 1945 runnings of the Boston Marathon. He finished in second place at Boston a record seven times. Between 1934 to 1950, he finished in the top five 15 times at Boston, consistently running in the 2:30s. He ran his last full marathon at Boston in 1992 at the age of 84, his 61st start and 58th finish there.